My daughter bought some gorgeous yarn for me from a castle in Germany. The label doesn’t specify a suggested needle size or number of stitches per inch. There are 155 yards of yarn in the hank. I would like to knit Zuzu’s Petals (a cowl by Carina Spencer) with this yarn. The gauge in the pattern for worsted weight yarn is 19 sts = 4" using a US 8 needle size. After knitting five swatches beginning with a size 8 needle, I’m still only knitting 15 1/2 stitches per 4 inches on a US 4 needle. So my questions are: if I just go with the US 4 needle, will I run out of yarn before competing the cowl? Will having less stitches than the gauge calls for cause the cowl to be smaller or larger than the specified measurements? I’m confused and frustrated! For those wondering what the yarn is, the label says “handgesponnen Ketchup - Spiralen” 95 g Merino 19 g Baumwolle = 144m. I’ve tried looking it up online and can’t find a recommended needle size or stitches per inch. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Connie
At 15.5sts/4inches the cowl is going to be bigger than the dimensions given for the pattern. The yarn you’ve been given (which sounds lovely) is a heavier weight than either of the yarns recommended in the pattern. Do you like the fabric that you get knitting with the yarn on the size 4 needles or is it stiffer with less drape than you might like?
For those wondering what the yarn is, the label says “handgesponnen Ketchup - Spiralen” 95 g Merino 19 g Baumwolle = 144m.
“Handspun Ketchup - spirals” 95gm Merino 19gm cotton = 144m
It appears you have a handspun yarn, presumably red in color, which is a spiral/blend of Merino and cotton. The total weight is 114gm (4.02oz). Given this weight and yardage (157yds) the yarn is likely a bulky weight yarn.
As your pattern calls for a worsted weight yarn you will probably not be successful in getting gauge. You can always make yarn larger (hold two strands together) but you can’t make yarn smaller (unless it is plied and you are willing to sit there splitting the plies apart 
).
If you want to proceed, I suggest you record the gauge for the swatch you like (drape/feel) and CO the number of sts required to get the final width for your gauge (being sure to use a “multiple” of X if needed per pattern). Then, knit away.
The swatch is stiffer with less drape than I like. I have come to a two-day conclusion that this may not be the best pattern for the yarn I have. I love the pattern and I love the yarn, but I don’t think they love each other! Thanks for your reply. Connie
You’re right. There are several pages of patterns on Ravelry for a bulky yarn (and it sounds like your yarn is knitting ~like a bulky)http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#photo=yes&craft=knitting&weight=bulky&fit=female&view=captioned_thumbs&sort=best&pc=scarf
Another yarn, either sport or worsted weight will work well with the Zuzu pattern.